”Our mission is to help users optimise their operational capability while still ensuring optimal protection for their hands during and after their work. It is thanks to its corporate philosophy based on research and development that Showa Best Glove designs effective and durable innovative solutions providing professionals with a new generation of protective gloves that offer an extremely comfortable fit and increased safety.“

THE MULTI-PURPOSE BREATHABLE GLOVE THAT PROTECTS FROM BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS

306

In hot, dry environments, standard breathable

gloves that use a mesh membrane protect

operators while they work, but become

inefficient in bad weather conditions when

they allow water or other liquids to penetrate

through the back of the glove.

306, THE IDEAL SOLUTION FOR PROTECTINGHANDS WITH JUST ONE TYPE OF GLOVE!

Ideal for indoor or open-air work and changes

in weather conditions, the 306 glove has a

double Latex FOAM/Latex coating. Featuring

a coating on the palm and the back of the

hand that is entirely made from breathable

LATEX FOAM, the palm of the glove also

has an extra layer of LATEX for increased

mechanical protection, making it ideal for

taking hold of objects and different types of

tool. Irrespective of weather conditions, the

306 is your perfect multi-purpose partner for

working both inside and out and in either wet

or dry environments.

Completely free of charge, our 4S test programme enables you and your staff to determine which glove is best suited to the tasks they carry out. After assessing the performance of a Showa glove compared with an existing glove, together we will identify the required characteristics in terms of comfort, safety, dexterity, suitability and service life. At the end of 4 weeks, you will be presented with a study including your employees’ comments, a hand protection programme and a quote for the relevant products.

• Technical test plan

• Reductions in costs by reducing stock andinvestment in personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Optimization of product lines

• Improvements in safety and employee satisfaction

• Adoption of best practices in use and safety control

• Adoption of new technology

HAZARD ASSESSMENT FULFILLSEN STANDARD REQUIREMENT

Week 4HAND PROTECTIONPROGRAM• Recorded feedbacks on glove trial are

presented and evaluated with the customercontact point.

• Following success on glove trial, Showa Bestwill edit an offer to the customers with therecommended products, technical informationand datasheet.

CONTACTS

A World Leader with a Local Presence

RCS

397

566

860

000

29 -

- 03

44

23 4

8 48

SHOWAgroup.eu

HANDPROTECTION IN THECONSTRUCTION SECTOR

USA/America579 Edison Street - Menlo, GA 30731, USAP: 800-241-0323 ı F: 888-393-2666

EuropeSHOWA InternationalWTC - Tower I - Strawinskylaan 18171077 XX Amsterdam - NetherlandsP: +31 (0) 88 004 2100 ı F: + 31 (0) 88 004 2199

Japan565 Tohori, Himeji-CityHyogo 670 0802, JapanP: +81-79-264-1234 ı F: +81-79-264-1516

Canada253 Michaud Street - Coaticook, Quebec J1A 1A9 - CanadaP: 800-565-BEST

AustraliaPO Box 187, BexleyNSW 2207, AustraliaP: +61 (0)2 8509 5401 ı F: +61 (0)2 8509 5403F: 819-849-612

Coaticook, CAHQ & Production Facility

Rotterdam, NLDistribution

Tokyo, JPSales

Ho Chi Minh City, VNProduction Facility

Penang, MYSales & R&D

Bexley, AUSales

Himeji, JPHQ, Production Facility, R&D

Perlis, MYProduction Facility

Menlo, US

Sao Paolo, BR

HQ, Production Facility, R&D

Sales & Distribution

Guatemala2 Production Facilities

Fayette, USProduction Facility

Amsterdam, NLHQ

For every job and application THERE IS A SHOWA BEST GLOVE

Being the only company with complete control over the design and

manufacture of its protective gloves, Showa Best has always boasted an

unmatched capacity for innovating and developing major technological

advancements. It means we are able to anticipate clients’ needs and

provide maximum safety to professionals in every field. Compared to similar

protection gloves, Showa Best gloves offer enhanced comfort and greater

dexterity for hand movements. This helps cut down work-related ill health

and improves productivity, which leads to savings for the company in the

long run.

OPTIMISED RANGEWith the multitude of different public sector and building jobs in mind,

Showa Best now offers a range of gloves entirely created around the

different applications and needs around each trade of the construction

industry. To make it easier to choose the correct glove for the correct

application, we have identified a range of trade specific gloves grouped

into 5 main categories of no more than 15 models. This ensures the number

of reference materials is optimized and purchase costs are reduced to a

minimum, with gloves that meet the specific needs of each different type

of work. Grouped by work type, they consider three key factors: work

environment, the different hand movements to be performed and the types

of protection required.

‘Construction sector’ refers to both the construction of buildings and civil engineering works, so it is an essential part of our economic and social life. Every day, millions of people working in the building trade perform a wide range of different tasks. They are exposed to dangerous conditions on the job including sharp edges, unguarded machinery and chemicals.. and their hands are usually in the front line of attack.

Construction has the highest on-the-job danger levels of any industry. It’s unrealistic to hope to eliminate workplace accidents entirely but complying with the legislation in force, improving work methods and wearing personal protective equipment are all sustainable solutions for limiting the number of accidents that may occur.

CONSTRUCTION

YOU CAN’T PUT A PRICE ON YOUR HEALTH

BREAKDOWN OF OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENTS LEADING TO PERMANENT DISABILITY ACCORDING

TO THE AREA OF INJURY

(France 2011 data)

Even though official figures show there has been a drop in workplace accidents in the building trade, theyare still more frequent than in other industries. Most injuries within the construction environment involve the hands and/or arms, and serious accidents or fatalities have a deep social and economic impact on everyone involved: the company, the employer and the employee. So it’s vital to prevent these from happening in the first place.

THE EMPLOYEE

Even though the employer

carries most of the

responsibility, the employee

also needs to be meticulous

about safety. On top of

complying with company

procedures, it is also

an employee obligation to

request suitable gloves for the

particular trade or application.

Employees must take

appropriate care of the gloves

and request replacements if

there is any wear and tear.

Building trade Transport, water, gas, electricity, press, communications Metallurgy Wood, paper, textiles, clothing Chemicals, rubber

Every year, serious and fatal injuries to workers have a devastating social and personal impact on victims,

their families, their colleagues and the company’s management. It makes sense for employees to protect

themselves all the time, no matter how small the risk. As we all know, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Even though the data given below is only for France, the figures are similar in all main industrialized countries.

On top of these facts and figures, let’s not forget there may be other direct

and indirect costs that are often underestimated, or even unknown. According

to studies carried out on the subject, the direct/indirect cost ratio may even

reach a level of 1 out of 6, as outlined below.

Labour costs• Working time lost by the victim

and other employees

• Medical visits after the accidentand first aid

• Replacing the employee, includingrecruitment and training

Costs of material losses • Damage caused to equipment, tools and

work in progress

• The use of first aid medication supplies

• Administrative costs

• The time required for enquiries into thecauses of the accident

Production costs • Time off work and loss of earnings

• Drops in productivity

Commercial costs • Delays in delivery with possible late

delivery fines

• Downturns in the quality of work

• Deterioration of the company’s image

• Increases in insurance premiums

Other miscellaneous costs• Fixed costs that are incurred even when

there is a stoppage in work

• Transport for the victim

• Any possible legal action

• Punitive costs in the event of legalinfringements

• Cost of expertise

Financial cost ofworkplace accidents (source: Carsat, France 2011)

Average cost of lost-time accidents (including work-related ill health)(source: Carsat, France 2011)

Average cost of occupational accidents causing permanentdisability (including work-related ill health)(source: Carsat, France 2011)

3 841 € 37 297 €37,45 M€23,88 Me

3 827 e 41 647 e

38 516 e

17 035 e

22 734 e

2 861 e

3 704 e

3 487 e14,98 Me

6,49 Me2,23 Me

WHO ISRESPONSIBLE?

of all lost-timeaccidents involvehands

of all working days lostthrough accidents aredue to hand injuries

of accidents involving hands lead to permanent disability

THE EMPLOYER

The law is clear in terms of

prevention and protection. It is

the employer’s responsibility to

know about and act on any

risks that could potentially

threaten employee health

and safety. Before giving

the employee any personal

protective equipment

(PPE), the employer must

check that any risks that the

employee is liable to encounter

cannot be eliminated at source,

by changing the organization’s

work methods or protecting

the company as a whole

through technical means.

In France, public sector construction workers make up about 9%

of all wage earners. But according to the latest statistics available,

when it comes to the number of lost-time accidents, they represent

almost 18% overall, and, worse, of these accidents, 22% are fatal.

4% HEAD

21% TORSO

3% FEET

22% UPPER LIMBS

16% LEGS

5% MULTIPLE AREAS

2% INJURIES

25% HANDS

INTERNAL

2% EYES

Depending on the type of job, work activities can be

classified into four categories of risk: mechanical, thermal,

electrical and chemical. These dangers very often occur

when handling, gripping, lifting or transporting loads.

In the building trade, this generallyrefers to injuries caused by solidobjects such as tools, parts ormachines. Hands are really put tothe test through exposure to pinchpoints, sharp edges, splinters,exposed blades and heavy impactfrom moving parts. The long-termconsequences can be serious forvictims facing crushed or amputatedfingers, hands or arms.

With electricity being used agreat deal on building sites andin buildings, accidents involvingelectricity (although rare) are agrave threat to health. They areoften more dangerous than othertypes of accident, with a significantlyhigher fatality rate. When a victimsuffers an electric shock, it causesviolent muscular reactions thatcan result in temporary or evenpermanent damage. In addition,contact with electricity can alsocause burns.

In the building trade, work is oftendone in the open air and ambient

temperatures are dependent onweather conditions. In cold weather,numb hands can lose their dexterity,

which is risky when handlingequipment or tools. If hands are not

protected, heat is also dangerous,when working with hand-held tools

or tar. Once again, the consequencesmay be serious, even irreversible.

MECHANICAL RISKS

ELECTRICAL RISKS

THERMAL RISKSAristotle called the human hand

”the instrument of all instruments“.Endowed with an unmatched wealth

of functions, it provides 70% of man’s total motor abilities. The incredible

number of tasks that the human hand is capable of doing are communicated to it by a complex network of muscles

and tendons. Endowed with exceptional mobility and agility, the hand is a highly

developed tool comprising 27 bones, several metres of blood vessels and

thousands of nerve endings. Our skin is the first layer of protection and, efficient

though it may be, it offers limited resistance to the cold or other dangers

such as cuts and blows. Hands need an extra barrier to protect them more

efficiently.

Due to the vast number of manual tasks in the working environment, employees’

hands are often placed in dangerous situations. This is especially true in

the building sector because hands are engaged in almost all activities on the

job. Without glove protection, the only remaining barrier is the skin. Even the

toughest skin is still sensitive to the dangers of cold, chemicals, micro-trauma, injury and musculoskeletal disorders, etc.,

all of which are possible sourcesof permanent future disability. So

choosing the right hand protection is an essential factor in risk prevention.

PROTECT YOUR HANDS

You need them as long as you live.

There are many risks associated withchemicals. Contact with the skin maycause burns, dermatitis, irritation and

poisoning. Wearing gloves is extremely important to prevent skin

from being seriously damaged. No material can withstand every type

of substance in absolute terms, but gloves are the only barrier able

to prevent skin from coming into contact with chemicals.

CHEMICAL RISKS

4 MAJOR

European standardsCOMMITMENTS TO HEALTH AND SAFETY BETTER-PROTECTED

USERS

It is a mistake to believe that to be good, a glove just needs to meet current standards and prevent whatever risk the user is facing. The reality is more much more complicated than it appears. Whatever the industry, work conditions or application, the glove needs to be as comfortable as possible. Comfort is paramount as, without this essential quality, the worker’s safety would be considerably reduced. To be worn correctly, gloves must, first and foremost, be perfectly adjusted to their user’s hands. For example, if tasks require a specific type of dexterity, the gloves must offer the best possible gripping capability, or if slippery objects are to be handled, gloves must have a special ”grip“ for giving maximum grip. Both in the open air and indoors, and depending on the ambient

temperature, gloves must be breathable and able to keep hands warm whenever necessary.Showa gloves have all these characteristics. They notonly improve productivity, they also considerably improve working conditions which constitutes a highly profitable investment.Showa has always placed innovation and excellence at the heart of its development strategy. Detailed studies are carried out when designing every type of glove. The objective is to define all the required quality parameters: design, suitability for the work situation, comfort, ergonomics, flexibility, tactility and the performance of materials and coatings. All this analysis results in a perfect balance between safety, dexterity, performance and cost.

Historically, a lot of building workers wouldn’t wear gloves because it limited their dexterity and

prevented them from doing their jobs correctly. Despite the risks, they found it more practical to work

without protective gloves. Faced with this situation, manufacturers of personal protective equipment,

especially Showa, have developed solutions that enable everyone to benefit from increased comfort and

exemplary protection.

By developing ergonomic glove ranges that perfectly follow the shape of the hand and, as the first

company to develop seamless, coated gloves and certain high-performance fibres, Showa was a

forerunner in numerous technological advancements. Providing a high level of protection against

mechanical and chemical risks, Showa gloves always offer more comfort, flexibility and accuracy than

any other make.

Directive EPI 89/686/EECTo make it easier to choose, an identification system with three categories has been set up for personal protective equipment (PPE).

Category I Minor risksCategory II Reversible risks

(Injury), certified as being compliant by a notified bodyCategory III Irreversible risks

(Corrosion), certified as being compliant and tested by a notified body whose identity number is specified

”0“ indicates that, during the test, the glove has not been tested or that it has not attained minimum performance levels.”X“ indicates that the test does not correspond to the type of glove.Values above ‘0’ correspond to higher levels of performance.

EN 420Standard EN420 specified general requirements for protective gloves.

• Manufacturer’s identification and marking on gloves

• Harmlessness (Ph)• Sizes• Dexterity level (1 to 5)• Component elements of the glove

ISO 13 997 An extra test method for optimizing fibre performance for high cut risks.Use of the ISO 13997 test method is already recommended as a complement for gloves with high levels of protection against cutting (4 or 5). In compliance with tests to EN ISO 13997 standards, this value must be expressed as the cutting load in Newtons. This test method concerns the pressures exercised on fibres when cutting risks are high. To provide better individual protection against cuts, Showa has created its own innovative anti-cut fibres to protect hands, such as Hagane Coil™. This patented fibre combines Hagane stainless steel with polyester and/or aramid fibres to provide high levels of protection against cuts ranging from 20 Newtons (2,000 gm) to 45 Newtons (4,500 gm) as per standard ISO 13997.  1  Stainless steel

2 Polyester

1 2

EN 388Mechanical risksTested and specified levels of resistanceto the following risks:

• Abrasion resistance (0 to 4): The numberof cycles required to abrade through theglove at constant speed

• Cut resistance (0 to 5): An index calculatedbased on the number of cycles required tocut through the glove at constant speed

• Tear resistance (0 to 4): The force requiredto tear a glove.

• Puncture resistance (0 to 4): The forcerequired to puncture the sample witha standard-sized steel point

EN 374-2Protection against microorganismsThe glove is considered to be microorganismresistant if it has successfully passed penetration tests (water and/or breathability test) and at least complies with penetration test level 2.

EN 374-3Chemical risksThe level (0 to 6) indicates the time requiredfor different chemicals to permeate the glove.Please consult the Chemrest website(www.chemrest.com) or contact one of ourpartner distributors for details of the chemicalresistance of materials used by Showa.

EN 511Risks related to coldThe glove’s tested performance levels against the following risks:

• Climatic or industrial cold transmittedby convection (0 to 4)

• Climatic or industrial cold transmittedby contact (0 to 4)

• Imperviousness to water (0 or 1)

EN 407Risks related to heatThe glove’s tested performance levels against the following risks:• Flame resistance (0 to 4)• Contact heat resistance (0 to 4)• Convective heat resistance (0 to 3)• Radiant heat resistance (0 to 4)• Resistance to small splashes of molten

metal (0 or 1)• Resistance to large quantities of molten

metal (0 or 1)

Week 1INITIAL MEETING• Visit customer to discuss glove requirements

and attributes, risk assesses and evaluates protection required.

• Suggestion can be presented together withpertinent information on the product and thefeatures and benefits.

• Agreement on the products suggestion, thentrial can take place.

Week 2 PROVIDING SAMPLES FOR TRIAL• Personally hand out samples to the individuals

selected for trial.

• User will be fit tested, educated on the glove.

• Advised of the timescale of the trial(generally 1 week).

• Each person is encouraged to keep thepair trialled for inspection in week 3.

Week 3 SAMPLES TRIAL EVALUATION• Showa staff interviewed each user

who trialled product.

• Glove inspection.

• Questionnaire about both the existing productvs Showa Best glove for wear and features comparisons.

• Trial form is then signed by user.

APPLICATIONSPECIFIC

HAND AND ARMHAZARDASSESSMENT

IDENTIFIES THE CRITICAL FACTORSTHAT COULD CAUSE INJURY

CRITICAL FACTORS THAT DETERMINE HAND PROTECTION CHOICES

GENERAL HANDLING CHEMICAL CUT PROTECTION COLD SPECIFIC

306 330 341 377 317 660 379 S-TEX 541 S-TEX 376 S-TEX KV3 477 7700 PFT 281

PUBLIC WORK

Driving machines l l lMaintenance l l l lSlingers / signaler l lDemolition l l l

FOUNDATIONS / STRUCTURE

Steel fixing l l lConcreting l l l lSteel erector l l lShuttering l lContrete pouring l l l lMechanical and engeneering l l l

SCAFFOLDER Scaffolding installation l

MASONBrick laying l lCementing l l l lMortar l l l l

ROOFER &CARPENTER

Guttering and drain pipe l l lRoofing application membranes l l lInsulation l l lFlashings and seals l l lInternal fixing l l l lWood joinery l l l

GLASS ANDGLAZING

Fixing glass and windows l l lHandling glass and windows l l l

PLUMBER -HEATER

Plumbing l l l lDrainage, piping l l l lHeating, ventilation l l

ELECTRICIANInstall electrical wiring / components l lUsing test equipment l lInstalling trunking l l

TILERTile setting l lGrouting/ cleaning off l l

PAINTER &DECORATOR /

PLASTERER

Painting l l l lWashing/cleaning l l lSanding l l l lScrew and nail setting l lSkirting placement l lCoating preparation l l lPlastering lDecoration l l l

OPTIMIZE YOUR HAND PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

WITH SHOWA’S EXPERTISE